Tell your friends (just not your leaguemates until next week)

by Kacey Kasem

Published On: May 8th, 2025

We’re in draft season, y’all. I’m drafting in three different rookie drafts while on vacation in Milwaukee. Every time I check to see who is available to draft, I immediately look to see what wide receivers are available. I feel weird taking Cam Ward at 1.04, as I usually want to go WR there. Do you know what else feels weird? Looking at the birth years of these wide receivers. Most of them were born the same year I graduated from high school!

This year, a few clear-cut top wideouts should take the league by storm. Other wide receivers ended up in good situations, but it might take a little longer for that situation to get great. That is perfectly fine in dynasty leagues, where you’re holding onto these players every year.

I’m here to help you determine which top wide receivers have landed in the best spots for dynasty and redraft fantasy football purposes. They might not all hit right away, but they all have a path to fantasy greatness.

Take a shot on these WRs when drafting, and here’s to you winning it all in 2025!

Check out Richard Sickels’ Complete Guide to Fantasy Football Terms

Landing Spot Analysis: Top 10 WR Situations for Fantasy

1. Tetairoa McMillan – Carolina Panthers (Round 1, Pick 8)

The Carolina Panthers chose Tetairoa McMillan in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Arizona Wildcat holds the school record for receiving yards with 3,423. He also tallied 26 career touchdowns in his college career.

McMillan is an NFL-ready receiver with the prototypical WR body. Carolina has young talent in Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, plus a still-productive Adam Thielen. Still, the 23-year-old will be a dependable red zone option with a legitimate chance to become Bryce Young‘s No. 1 receiving choice. If you’re concerned about Travis Hunter’s two-way role, T. Mac offers a more traditional WR1 profile.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – usable right away, a cornerstone in dynasty

2. Travis Hunter – Jacksonville Jaguars (Round 1, Pick 2)

The Jaguars made a big move to secure Travis Hunter, trading up to the No. 2 overall pick in a headline-grabbing deal with the Browns. The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner’s versatility on both sides of the ball appealed to many teams. For fantasy purposes, his offensive upside is all that matters (unless you’re in an individual defensive player (IDP) league—check the settings to see how they handle him).

With fellow first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr. already established on Jacksonville’s roster, Hunter can thrive in a youthful receiving corps that needed a reset. Jacksonville has displayed its full dedication to Trevor Lawrence and, in drafting the Colorado athlete, has gained an elite talent for the QB. The 21-year-old is positioned to become a weekly fantasy asset with a healthy Lawrence under center this season.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – weekly upside now, high-ceiling long term

3. Emeka Egbuka – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Round 1, Pick 19)

The Buccaneers made a splash by selecting Emeka Egbuka with the 19th overall pick in the first round, investing huge draft capital in the Ohio State product. Egbuka is a pro-ready receiver known for his impressive work in the slot. He posted two 1,000-yard seasons in college, and his 205 career receptions are the most in Ohio State history.

He enters a wide receiver room already featuring veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. It’s important to note the 22-year-old is no stranger to competition. In college, he was on the same rosters as Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. All of these players were first-round picks. It’s safe to say Brian Hartline knows how to develop them in Ohio.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – flex depth for 2025, room to move up quickly

4. Matthew Golden – Green Bay Packers (Round 1, Pick 23)

Matthew Golden landed with the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His landing spot may not seem ideal, given the competition at wide receiver. The Packers already roster a solid group with bigger receivers like Romeo Doubs, Jaden Reed and Christian Watson. With Watson’s injury history, there could be chances for Golden to step up and make an impact.

The Texas product stands out with his speed, as evidenced by his 4.20-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The speed gives him an edge that could make him a dangerous player in Green Bay. He might not emerge as the WR1 immediately, but he has a shot at delivering explosive games. Full disclosure: I just checked out Lambeau Field, so he’s fresh on my mind.

Best Use: Dynasty – stash the speed and upside, Year 1 dart throw

5. Luther Burden III – Chicago Bears (Round 2, Pick 39)

Luther Burden III had an impressive college career in Missouri, registering two seasons of over 1,200 receiving yards. The young receiver finds himself in a congested situation after being taken by the Bears in the second round. Chicago’s offense includes DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet and D’Andre Swift. The Bears also spent a first-round pick on tight end Colston Loveland.

New head coach Ben Johnson has shown that getting Caleb Williams quality weapons is a priority. Burden’s athleticism and ability to make defenders miss could make him a fit for the slot role vacated by Keenan Allen. While Moore and Odunze can handle the slot, the 21-year-old could contribute instantly in that area. In college, the Missouri native only played out of the slot, which would be a natural fit for him in the NFL. With Odunze drafted highly last year and Moore only 28, Burden’s role might take time to evolve. He is worth a flyer, but don’t overspend. The second round of rookie drafts is reasonable.

Best Use: Dynasty – needs time to develop, low floor for now (but high draft capital)

6. Jayden Higgins – Houston Texans (Round 2, Pick 34)

Houston selected Jayden Higgins, who was just shy of Round 1 capital. They selected a wide receiver with the 34th overall pick, signaling instant plans for the blazer. With Stefon Diggs out of the picture, the 22-year-old slots behind Nico Collins as the No. 2 receiver. Collins signed an extension with the Texans through the 2027 season and has already secured his near future. C.J. Stroud needed a WR added to the mix, as Tank Dell‘s return from a brutal knee injury is murky. Christian Kirk was added to the Houston roster but is more of a depth piece to go/compete with John Metchie III and Xavier Hutchinson.

The Iowa State wideout boasts pro-ready size and red-zone dominance. He racked up 2,168 yards and 15 TDs over his final two collegiate seasons after transferring from Eastern Kentucky. He reunites with his college teammate Jaylin Noel, whom the Texans took in the third round. Draft capital and versatility give Higgins an edge, but expect both players to compete for a role. Houston is a great landing spot for the receiver, as he can see the field right away and is tied to Stroud for years.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – flexworthy now, locked in to QB Stroud long term

7. Tre Harris – Los Angeles Chargers (Round 2, Pick 55)

The Chargers searched for a true field-stretcher and grabbed Tre Harris as the 55th overall pick (Round 2) of the 2025 NFL Draft. An injury to his groin shut the former Ole Miss standout out of commission early last season. Still, he put up 1,030 yards (a career-high) on 60 catches in just eight games. He’s a long-bodied, fast weapon with strong hands, but he gets a knock for having a basic college route tree.

Lucky for Harris, he was selected to a team pairing him with quarterback Justin Herbert. Herbert is known for making plays with his arm. Last season, he tossed 70 passes of 20-plus yards while connecting on 32. Ladd McConkey is a focal point of the offense, but he plays mainly out of the slot. Harris will live outside, battling Quentin Johnston and the ghost of an almost 31-year-old Mike Williams. There is a strong case for the former Rebel to be a fantasy star alongside McConkey in 2025.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – boom weeks in 2025, starter ceiling ahead

8. Jack Bech – Las Vegas Raiders (Round 2, Pick 58)

The Raiders spent a second-round pick (58th pick overall) on Jack Bech. After starting at LSU and finishing at TCU, the 22-year-old lined up everywhere, so sliding into Vegas’s unsettled receiver room should be seamless. With Davante Adams shipped out mid‑season, only Jakobi Meyers is locked into a role. Tre Tucker and fourth‑round rookie Dont’e Thornton Jr. round out the depth chart. That leaves a clear path for Bech to seize the No. 2 job from Tucker.

First-round phenom Brock Bowers is a significant part of the offense, recording a team-high 1,194 receiving yards in 2024. Hopefully, with a change at quarterback (Geno Smith), the WRs will see their fantasy values increase. The WR’s willingness to block in the run games pairs nicely with rookie back Ashton Jeanty, giving him a valuable way to stay on the field and produce early despite sharing the field with superstars. New head coach Pete Carroll is high on Bech and should help him excel.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – sneaky late redraft value, solid stash in dynasty

9. Jaylin Noel – Houston Texans (Round 3, Pick 79)

The Texans doubled down on Iowa State playmakers by snagging Jaylin Noel in Round 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft after taking teammate Jayden Higgins earlier. The former Cyclone’s stock climbed as his 4.39-second 40-yard dash caught the attention of teams, and his overall Combine put him on the map. He has elite short-area quicks and was drafted to help revamp the receiver room.

Christian Kirk looks to be Noel’s main competition in the slot. The questions surrounding Tank Dell’s knee leave the depth chart up for grabs. Third-round capital spent on Noel means the team can afford to let him “bake” while Nico Collins and Higgins handle heavier work. He has long-term upside, but his landing spot likely requires patience before you see any fantasy returns.

Best Use: Dynasty – patience play until the depth chart works itself out

10. Kyle Williams – New England Patriots (Round 3, Pick 69)

Count me in on the Kyle Williams hype train. The Patriots selected the undersized speed demon in Round 3 to add juice to a receiver room that already lists Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk, Kayshon Boutte, Javon Baker, Mack Hollins, and… checks notes… John Jiles.

Plenty of those names are depth/roster filler, but Williams will have to battle it out with the likes of Douglas and Boutte for perimeter snaps. The Baltimore native played primarily on the outside in college, but he has looked comfortable inside. Year 1 fireworks are not guaranteed, but I’m happy to stash that 4.40 40-yard speed. He’s connected to a young quarterback, who could be special, in Drake Maye. Give the 22-year-old some time, as this dart throw could pay off quickly.

Best Use: Dynasty – developmental bet based on Drake Maye connection

Kacey Kasem is a contributing badass for Optimus Fantasy. For more from Kacey, follow her on X @TheKaceyKasem.

We’re in draft season, y’all. I’m drafting in three different rookie drafts while on vacation in Milwaukee. Every time I check to see who is available to draft, I immediately look to see what wide receivers are available. I feel weird taking Cam Ward at 1.04, as I usually want to go WR there. Do you know what else feels weird? Looking at the birth years of these wide receivers. Most of them were born the same year I graduated from high school!

This year, a few clear-cut top wideouts should take the league by storm. Other wide receivers ended up in good situations, but it might take a little longer for that situation to get great. That is perfectly fine in dynasty leagues, where you’re holding onto these players every year.

I’m here to help you determine which top wide receivers have landed in the best spots for dynasty and redraft fantasy football purposes. They might not all hit right away, but they all have a path to fantasy greatness.

Take a shot on these WRs when drafting, and here’s to you winning it all in 2025!

Check out Richard Sickels’ Complete Guide to Fantasy Football Terms

Landing Spot Analysis: Top 10 WR Situations for Fantasy

1. Tetairoa McMillan – Carolina Panthers (Round 1, Pick 8)

The Carolina Panthers chose Tetairoa McMillan in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Arizona Wildcat holds the school record for receiving yards with 3,423. He also tallied 26 career touchdowns in his college career.

McMillan is an NFL-ready receiver with the prototypical WR body. Carolina has young talent in Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, plus a still-productive Adam Thielen. Still, the 23-year-old will be a dependable red zone option with a legitimate chance to become Bryce Young‘s No. 1 receiving choice. If you’re concerned about Travis Hunter’s two-way role, T. Mac offers a more traditional WR1 profile.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – usable right away, a cornerstone in dynasty

2. Travis Hunter – Jacksonville Jaguars (Round 1, Pick 2)

The Jaguars made a big move to secure Travis Hunter, trading up to the No. 2 overall pick in a headline-grabbing deal with the Browns. The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner’s versatility on both sides of the ball appealed to many teams. For fantasy purposes, his offensive upside is all that matters (unless you’re in an individual defensive player (IDP) league—check the settings to see how they handle him).

With fellow first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr. already established on Jacksonville’s roster, Hunter can thrive in a youthful receiving corps that needed a reset. Jacksonville has displayed its full dedication to Trevor Lawrence and, in drafting the Colorado athlete, has gained an elite talent for the QB. The 21-year-old is positioned to become a weekly fantasy asset with a healthy Lawrence under center this season.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – weekly upside now, high-ceiling long term

3. Emeka Egbuka – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Round 1, Pick 19)

The Buccaneers made a splash by selecting Emeka Egbuka with the 19th overall pick in the first round, investing huge draft capital in the Ohio State product. Egbuka is a pro-ready receiver known for his impressive work in the slot. He posted two 1,000-yard seasons in college, and his 205 career receptions are the most in Ohio State history.

He enters a wide receiver room already featuring veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. It’s important to note the 22-year-old is no stranger to competition. In college, he was on the same rosters as Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. All of these players were first-round picks. It’s safe to say Brian Hartline knows how to develop them in Ohio.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – flex depth for 2025, room to move up quickly

4. Matthew Golden – Green Bay Packers (Round 1, Pick 23)

Matthew Golden landed with the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His landing spot may not seem ideal, given the competition at wide receiver. The Packers already roster a solid group with bigger receivers like Romeo Doubs, Jaden Reed and Christian Watson. With Watson’s injury history, there could be chances for Golden to step up and make an impact.

The Texas product stands out with his speed, as evidenced by his 4.20-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The speed gives him an edge that could make him a dangerous player in Green Bay. He might not emerge as the WR1 immediately, but he has a shot at delivering explosive games. Full disclosure: I just checked out Lambeau Field, so he’s fresh on my mind.

Best Use: Dynasty – stash the speed and upside, Year 1 dart throw

5. Luther Burden III – Chicago Bears (Round 2, Pick 39)

Luther Burden III had an impressive college career in Missouri, registering two seasons of over 1,200 receiving yards. The young receiver finds himself in a congested situation after being taken by the Bears in the second round. Chicago’s offense includes DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet and D’Andre Swift. The Bears also spent a first-round pick on tight end Colston Loveland.

New head coach Ben Johnson has shown that getting Caleb Williams quality weapons is a priority. Burden’s athleticism and ability to make defenders miss could make him a fit for the slot role vacated by Keenan Allen. While Moore and Odunze can handle the slot, the 21-year-old could contribute instantly in that area. In college, the Missouri native only played out of the slot, which would be a natural fit for him in the NFL. With Odunze drafted highly last year and Moore only 28, Burden’s role might take time to evolve. He is worth a flyer, but don’t overspend. The second round of rookie drafts is reasonable.

Best Use: Dynasty – needs time to develop, low floor for now (but high draft capital)

6. Jayden Higgins – Houston Texans (Round 2, Pick 34)

Houston selected Jayden Higgins, who was just shy of Round 1 capital. They selected a wide receiver with the 34th overall pick, signaling instant plans for the blazer. With Stefon Diggs out of the picture, the 22-year-old slots behind Nico Collins as the No. 2 receiver. Collins signed an extension with the Texans through the 2027 season and has already secured his near future. C.J. Stroud needed a WR added to the mix, as Tank Dell‘s return from a brutal knee injury is murky. Christian Kirk was added to the Houston roster but is more of a depth piece to go/compete with John Metchie III and Xavier Hutchinson.

The Iowa State wideout boasts pro-ready size and red-zone dominance. He racked up 2,168 yards and 15 TDs over his final two collegiate seasons after transferring from Eastern Kentucky. He reunites with his college teammate Jaylin Noel, whom the Texans took in the third round. Draft capital and versatility give Higgins an edge, but expect both players to compete for a role. Houston is a great landing spot for the receiver, as he can see the field right away and is tied to Stroud for years.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – flexworthy now, locked in to QB Stroud long term

7. Tre Harris – Los Angeles Chargers (Round 2, Pick 55)

The Chargers searched for a true field-stretcher and grabbed Tre Harris as the 55th overall pick (Round 2) of the 2025 NFL Draft. An injury to his groin shut the former Ole Miss standout out of commission early last season. Still, he put up 1,030 yards (a career-high) on 60 catches in just eight games. He’s a long-bodied, fast weapon with strong hands, but he gets a knock for having a basic college route tree.

Lucky for Harris, he was selected to a team pairing him with quarterback Justin Herbert. Herbert is known for making plays with his arm. Last season, he tossed 70 passes of 20-plus yards while connecting on 32. Ladd McConkey is a focal point of the offense, but he plays mainly out of the slot. Harris will live outside, battling Quentin Johnston and the ghost of an almost 31-year-old Mike Williams. There is a strong case for the former Rebel to be a fantasy star alongside McConkey in 2025.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – boom weeks in 2025, starter ceiling ahead

8. Jack Bech – Las Vegas Raiders (Round 2, Pick 58)

The Raiders spent a second-round pick (58th pick overall) on Jack Bech. After starting at LSU and finishing at TCU, the 22-year-old lined up everywhere, so sliding into Vegas’s unsettled receiver room should be seamless. With Davante Adams shipped out mid‑season, only Jakobi Meyers is locked into a role. Tre Tucker and fourth‑round rookie Dont’e Thornton Jr. round out the depth chart. That leaves a clear path for Bech to seize the No. 2 job from Tucker.

First-round phenom Brock Bowers is a significant part of the offense, recording a team-high 1,194 receiving yards in 2024. Hopefully, with a change at quarterback (Geno Smith), the WRs will see their fantasy values increase. The WR’s willingness to block in the run games pairs nicely with rookie back Ashton Jeanty, giving him a valuable way to stay on the field and produce early despite sharing the field with superstars. New head coach Pete Carroll is high on Bech and should help him excel.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – sneaky late redraft value, solid stash in dynasty

9. Jaylin Noel – Houston Texans (Round 3, Pick 79)

The Texans doubled down on Iowa State playmakers by snagging Jaylin Noel in Round 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft after taking teammate Jayden Higgins earlier. The former Cyclone’s stock climbed as his 4.39-second 40-yard dash caught the attention of teams, and his overall Combine put him on the map. He has elite short-area quicks and was drafted to help revamp the receiver room.

Christian Kirk looks to be Noel’s main competition in the slot. The questions surrounding Tank Dell’s knee leave the depth chart up for grabs. Third-round capital spent on Noel means the team can afford to let him “bake” while Nico Collins and Higgins handle heavier work. He has long-term upside, but his landing spot likely requires patience before you see any fantasy returns.

Best Use: Dynasty – patience play until the depth chart works itself out

10. Kyle Williams – New England Patriots (Round 3, Pick 69)

Count me in on the Kyle Williams hype train. The Patriots selected the undersized speed demon in Round 3 to add juice to a receiver room that already lists Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk, Kayshon Boutte, Javon Baker, Mack Hollins, and… checks notes… John Jiles.

Plenty of those names are depth/roster filler, but Williams will have to battle it out with the likes of Douglas and Boutte for perimeter snaps. The Baltimore native played primarily on the outside in college, but he has looked comfortable inside. Year 1 fireworks are not guaranteed, but I’m happy to stash that 4.40 40-yard speed. He’s connected to a young quarterback, who could be special, in Drake Maye. Give the 22-year-old some time, as this dart throw could pay off quickly.

Best Use: Dynasty – developmental bet based on Drake Maye connection

Kacey Kasem is a contributing badass for Optimus Fantasy. For more from Kacey, follow her on X @TheKaceyKasem.

We’re in draft season, y’all. I’m drafting in three different rookie drafts while on vacation in Milwaukee. Every time I check to see who is available to draft, I immediately look to see what wide receivers are available. I feel weird taking Cam Ward at 1.04, as I usually want to go WR there. Do you know what else feels weird? Looking at the birth years of these wide receivers. Most of them were born the same year I graduated from high school!

This year, a few clear-cut top wideouts should take the league by storm. Other wide receivers ended up in good situations, but it might take a little longer for that situation to get great. That is perfectly fine in dynasty leagues, where you’re holding onto these players every year.

I’m here to help you determine which top wide receivers have landed in the best spots for dynasty and redraft fantasy football purposes. They might not all hit right away, but they all have a path to fantasy greatness.

Take a shot on these WRs when drafting, and here’s to you winning it all in 2025!

Check out Richard Sickels’ Complete Guide to Fantasy Football Terms

Landing Spot Analysis: Top 10 WR Situations for Fantasy

1. Tetairoa McMillan – Carolina Panthers (Round 1, Pick 8)

The Carolina Panthers chose Tetairoa McMillan in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Arizona Wildcat holds the school record for receiving yards with 3,423. He also tallied 26 career touchdowns in his college career.

McMillan is an NFL-ready receiver with the prototypical WR body. Carolina has young talent in Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, plus a still-productive Adam Thielen. Still, the 23-year-old will be a dependable red zone option with a legitimate chance to become Bryce Young‘s No. 1 receiving choice. If you’re concerned about Travis Hunter’s two-way role, T. Mac offers a more traditional WR1 profile.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – usable right away, a cornerstone in dynasty

2. Travis Hunter – Jacksonville Jaguars (Round 1, Pick 2)

The Jaguars made a big move to secure Travis Hunter, trading up to the No. 2 overall pick in a headline-grabbing deal with the Browns. The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner’s versatility on both sides of the ball appealed to many teams. For fantasy purposes, his offensive upside is all that matters (unless you’re in an individual defensive player (IDP) league—check the settings to see how they handle him).

With fellow first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr. already established on Jacksonville’s roster, Hunter can thrive in a youthful receiving corps that needed a reset. Jacksonville has displayed its full dedication to Trevor Lawrence and, in drafting the Colorado athlete, has gained an elite talent for the QB. The 21-year-old is positioned to become a weekly fantasy asset with a healthy Lawrence under center this season.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – weekly upside now, high-ceiling long term

3. Emeka Egbuka – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Round 1, Pick 19)

The Buccaneers made a splash by selecting Emeka Egbuka with the 19th overall pick in the first round, investing huge draft capital in the Ohio State product. Egbuka is a pro-ready receiver known for his impressive work in the slot. He posted two 1,000-yard seasons in college, and his 205 career receptions are the most in Ohio State history.

He enters a wide receiver room already featuring veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. It’s important to note the 22-year-old is no stranger to competition. In college, he was on the same rosters as Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. All of these players were first-round picks. It’s safe to say Brian Hartline knows how to develop them in Ohio.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – flex depth for 2025, room to move up quickly

4. Matthew Golden – Green Bay Packers (Round 1, Pick 23)

Matthew Golden landed with the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His landing spot may not seem ideal, given the competition at wide receiver. The Packers already roster a solid group with bigger receivers like Romeo Doubs, Jaden Reed and Christian Watson. With Watson’s injury history, there could be chances for Golden to step up and make an impact.

The Texas product stands out with his speed, as evidenced by his 4.20-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The speed gives him an edge that could make him a dangerous player in Green Bay. He might not emerge as the WR1 immediately, but he has a shot at delivering explosive games. Full disclosure: I just checked out Lambeau Field, so he’s fresh on my mind.

Best Use: Dynasty – stash the speed and upside, Year 1 dart throw

5. Luther Burden III – Chicago Bears (Round 2, Pick 39)

Luther Burden III had an impressive college career in Missouri, registering two seasons of over 1,200 receiving yards. The young receiver finds himself in a congested situation after being taken by the Bears in the second round. Chicago’s offense includes DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet and D’Andre Swift. The Bears also spent a first-round pick on tight end Colston Loveland.

New head coach Ben Johnson has shown that getting Caleb Williams quality weapons is a priority. Burden’s athleticism and ability to make defenders miss could make him a fit for the slot role vacated by Keenan Allen. While Moore and Odunze can handle the slot, the 21-year-old could contribute instantly in that area. In college, the Missouri native only played out of the slot, which would be a natural fit for him in the NFL. With Odunze drafted highly last year and Moore only 28, Burden’s role might take time to evolve. He is worth a flyer, but don’t overspend. The second round of rookie drafts is reasonable.

Best Use: Dynasty – needs time to develop, low floor for now (but high draft capital)

6. Jayden Higgins – Houston Texans (Round 2, Pick 34)

Houston selected Jayden Higgins, who was just shy of Round 1 capital. They selected a wide receiver with the 34th overall pick, signaling instant plans for the blazer. With Stefon Diggs out of the picture, the 22-year-old slots behind Nico Collins as the No. 2 receiver. Collins signed an extension with the Texans through the 2027 season and has already secured his near future. C.J. Stroud needed a WR added to the mix, as Tank Dell‘s return from a brutal knee injury is murky. Christian Kirk was added to the Houston roster but is more of a depth piece to go/compete with John Metchie III and Xavier Hutchinson.

The Iowa State wideout boasts pro-ready size and red-zone dominance. He racked up 2,168 yards and 15 TDs over his final two collegiate seasons after transferring from Eastern Kentucky. He reunites with his college teammate Jaylin Noel, whom the Texans took in the third round. Draft capital and versatility give Higgins an edge, but expect both players to compete for a role. Houston is a great landing spot for the receiver, as he can see the field right away and is tied to Stroud for years.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – flexworthy now, locked in to QB Stroud long term

7. Tre Harris – Los Angeles Chargers (Round 2, Pick 55)

The Chargers searched for a true field-stretcher and grabbed Tre Harris as the 55th overall pick (Round 2) of the 2025 NFL Draft. An injury to his groin shut the former Ole Miss standout out of commission early last season. Still, he put up 1,030 yards (a career-high) on 60 catches in just eight games. He’s a long-bodied, fast weapon with strong hands, but he gets a knock for having a basic college route tree.

Lucky for Harris, he was selected to a team pairing him with quarterback Justin Herbert. Herbert is known for making plays with his arm. Last season, he tossed 70 passes of 20-plus yards while connecting on 32. Ladd McConkey is a focal point of the offense, but he plays mainly out of the slot. Harris will live outside, battling Quentin Johnston and the ghost of an almost 31-year-old Mike Williams. There is a strong case for the former Rebel to be a fantasy star alongside McConkey in 2025.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – boom weeks in 2025, starter ceiling ahead

8. Jack Bech – Las Vegas Raiders (Round 2, Pick 58)

The Raiders spent a second-round pick (58th pick overall) on Jack Bech. After starting at LSU and finishing at TCU, the 22-year-old lined up everywhere, so sliding into Vegas’s unsettled receiver room should be seamless. With Davante Adams shipped out mid‑season, only Jakobi Meyers is locked into a role. Tre Tucker and fourth‑round rookie Dont’e Thornton Jr. round out the depth chart. That leaves a clear path for Bech to seize the No. 2 job from Tucker.

First-round phenom Brock Bowers is a significant part of the offense, recording a team-high 1,194 receiving yards in 2024. Hopefully, with a change at quarterback (Geno Smith), the WRs will see their fantasy values increase. The WR’s willingness to block in the run games pairs nicely with rookie back Ashton Jeanty, giving him a valuable way to stay on the field and produce early despite sharing the field with superstars. New head coach Pete Carroll is high on Bech and should help him excel.

Best Use: Dynasty & Redraft – sneaky late redraft value, solid stash in dynasty

9. Jaylin Noel – Houston Texans (Round 3, Pick 79)

The Texans doubled down on Iowa State playmakers by snagging Jaylin Noel in Round 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft after taking teammate Jayden Higgins earlier. The former Cyclone’s stock climbed as his 4.39-second 40-yard dash caught the attention of teams, and his overall Combine put him on the map. He has elite short-area quicks and was drafted to help revamp the receiver room.

Christian Kirk looks to be Noel’s main competition in the slot. The questions surrounding Tank Dell’s knee leave the depth chart up for grabs. Third-round capital spent on Noel means the team can afford to let him “bake” while Nico Collins and Higgins handle heavier work. He has long-term upside, but his landing spot likely requires patience before you see any fantasy returns.

Best Use: Dynasty – patience play until the depth chart works itself out

10. Kyle Williams – New England Patriots (Round 3, Pick 69)

Count me in on the Kyle Williams hype train. The Patriots selected the undersized speed demon in Round 3 to add juice to a receiver room that already lists Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk, Kayshon Boutte, Javon Baker, Mack Hollins, and… checks notes… John Jiles.

Plenty of those names are depth/roster filler, but Williams will have to battle it out with the likes of Douglas and Boutte for perimeter snaps. The Baltimore native played primarily on the outside in college, but he has looked comfortable inside. Year 1 fireworks are not guaranteed, but I’m happy to stash that 4.40 40-yard speed. He’s connected to a young quarterback, who could be special, in Drake Maye. Give the 22-year-old some time, as this dart throw could pay off quickly.

Best Use: Dynasty – developmental bet based on Drake Maye connection

Kacey Kasem is a contributing badass for Optimus Fantasy. For more from Kacey, follow her on X @TheKaceyKasem.

By Published On: May 8th, 2025

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